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Need light-colored gold electroplate solution

1999

I'm doing some gold elecroplating, and I'm trying to match some existing gold, but the plating solutions I've tried have all been too dark, even the "14K colored" ones (e.g. Swest TivaGlo). Does anyone know of a light-toned gold-plating solution suitable for use with a pen plater? I would like to avoid cyanide-based or other hazardous solutions. I would also consider an additive or blending of two solutions to formulate the matching color.

Thanks --
--Daniel

Daniel Kirchheimer
- Monmouth Junction, New Jersey

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1999

Hey Daniel,

Let's start with the pen plater. Can you control the current? To High of a Current Density can cause a dark deposit. What is the gold content of the solution? One Oz/gallon is best but you should be ok down to 1/2 Oz/gallon without changing the current density, temp., pH, or other factors.

Lower current Densities, higher gold content, pH range, higher temps., and alloying by add the proper nickel salt (very little) are some of the factors in "whitening" the color of gold. If you're using cyanide know what you're doing. In doubt? Ask someone knowledgeable for help.

Regards,

Fred Mueller, CEF
- Royersford, Pennsylvania

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